A Day in Chinatown with @nyccurated/Tanu Vasu
Illustration by @nyccurated
Welcome to the latest installment of our “A Day in Chinatown with…” series, where our fellow New Yorkers (or NYC fanatics) share their favorite Chinatown spots with us. Today, we’re spotlighting Tanu Vasu, the artist behind @NYCcurated!
Our next guest is Tanu Vasu, an illustrator and fashion designer based in New York City. Pastel colors dominate the composition of her whimsical illustrations, accentuated by simple ink outlines that represent figures and forms. Vasu is inspired by the charm and allure of New York City, vintage finds, and vibrant patterns. She also designs clothing for New York based fashion brands where she developed her unique illustration technique. This led her to create @nyccurated, a chronicled series of whimsical illustrations depicting life in New York City.
Before we get started, what does Chinatown mean to you?
"I adore the Chinatown neighborhood, it transports you to an 'Old New York' often forgotten, dominated with colors and heritage institutions. I love the colorful cast of characters you can find in Chinatown and the friends you make walking down the street, the coconut vendors and the staff at Magic Jewelry are amongst my favorites. There's a special magic that resides in Chinatown that is remarkable, it needs to be experienced to be understood.”
Nom Wah Tea Parlor (13 Doyers Street) - Nom-Wah transports you to Old New York, the kind of space that you'd imagine from decades ago. The food is delicious too.
Abacus Federal Savings Bank (6 Bowery) - Bowery Savings bank has an intricate facade that is absolutely stunning, I love sitting outside and drawing it, it's also a great photo opp!
Taiyaki NYC Japanese Ice Cream (119 Baxter Street) - I head over to Taiyaki for a matcha ice cream with a fish cone - I'm obsessed with these! Another favorite ice cream spot is Chinatown Ice Cream Factory!
Magic Jewelry (238 Canal Street) - Magic Jewelry is famous for reading your aura, it's a fun experience. They take your photograph and you can see your aura colors, from here they read your energy.
Apotheke (9 Doyers Street) - Apotheke, my absolute favorite bar in New York, the cocktail mixing classes are also super fun! I love Doyers street, it's one of those streets in New York that remind you of another time.
